Google Pixel eSIM: What it is and how it works
Google Pixel phones may still be relatively new, but did you know they were among the first to include eSIM technology? That’s right — Google’s eye for innovation has long foreseen something that is currently only beginning to gain momentum in the mobile technology industry. And yet, some questions still remain: What is the Google Pixel eSIM, and how does it work? Let’s find out.
9 min read
Table of Contents
- What is an eSIM on a Google Pixel?
- How does an eSIM work on a Google Pixel phone?
- Which Google Pixel models have eSIM technology available?
- How to activate an eSIM on your Google Pixel device
- How to install an eSIM by scanning the QR code
- How to install an eSIM without a QR code
- How to use the dual SIM function on a Google Pixel phone
- Why should you use an eSIM for your Google Pixel phone?
- Simple purchase
- Convenient activation
- Zero physical operation
- Lower global roaming charges
What is an eSIM on a Google Pixel?
An eSIM or “embedded SIM” is a digital version of a traditional physical SIM card, similar to how a GPS is a digital version of a map. As the name suggests, an eSIM is automatically embedded in your smartphone. That's why, when you buy a Google Pixel phone that supports an eSIM connection, you can access your mobile service without using a physical SIM card.
How does an eSIM work on a Google Pixel phone?
Basically, an eSIM on a Google Pixel (or any other eSIM-compatible device, for that matter) works just like a good old plastic SIM card. You need to call someone, send text messages, or use mobile internet service? An eSIM allows all of that and even offers extra benefits (such as seamless switching between different eSIMs).
The key difference between the eSIM vs. the physical SIM is that the eSIM comes pre-installed on your phone and requires only a QR code to activate and set up the cellular service. As for the physical SIM, you need to get the card from either your carrier or a local store, unpack it from the package, and slot the card in your phone, dragging out the whole installation process.
It’s no surprise that installing an eSIM takes less time and effort and is more eco-friendly than getting a physical eSIM. In addition, Google Pixel phones even allow a dual eSIM connection, meaning you can add more than one eSIM to your phone and switch between the services as you please.
Which Google Pixel models have eSIM technology available?
Almost all Google Pixel phones support eSIM connection, except early Google Pixel models (for example, Pixel and Pixel XL). The models that support eSIM include:
Google Pixel 2 (only phones bought with Google Fi service)
Google Pixel 2 XL
Google Pixel 3 (not including phones bought in Australia, Taiwan, or Japan. Phones bought with US or Canadian carriers other than Spring and Google Fi don’t work with eSIM)
Google Pixel 3 XL
Google Pixel 3a (not including phones bought in Japan or with Verizon service)
Google Pixel 3a XL
Google Pixel 4
Google Pixel 4a
Google Pixel 4 XL
Google Pixel 5
Google Pixel 5a
Google Pixel 6
Google pixel 6a
Google Pixel 6 Pro
Google Pixel 7
Google Pixel 7a
Google Pixel 7 Pro
Google Pixel 8
Google Pixel 8 Pro
Google Pixel Fold
*Google Pixel 3 devices from Australia, Japan, and Taiwan are incompatible with eSIM technology.
*Google Pixel 3a from South East Asia is not compatible with eSIM technology.
How to activate an eSIM on your Google Pixel device
Like any other phone, Google Pixel eSIM activation takes just a few seconds. You can set up your eSIM by scanning a QR code or manually typing in the activation details.
How to install an eSIM by scanning the QR code
After requesting an eSIM from your cellular service or eSIM provider, you will receive a QR code to scan with your cell phone. Once you receive the QR code, there are a few more short steps before your eSIM setup is complete.
Find “Network & internet” on your Google Pixel settings and tap “SIMs.”
2. Tap "Add SIM" or the "+" icon in the SIM menu.
3. Tap “Set up an eSIM.”
4. Scan the QR code and download your eSIM plan to finish the installation. Once done, you can also label and manage your eSIM via your phone’s eSIM settings.
Keep in mind that some eSIM data providers (for example, Saily) have yet to offer QR code activation. However, their eSIM services can be set up by manually typing in the installation codes.
How to install an eSIM without a QR code
If your eSIM provider doesn’t support QR code installation, there’s no need to worry. You can also set up your eSIM by manually entering the activation code. The manual setup follows the same instructions as the installation via the QR code but with some extra steps.
Once you open the QR code scanner, tap “Need help?” in the bottom left corner of the screen.
2. Find the “Enter it manually” hyperlink and tap on it.
3. Type in the code you’ve received from your eSIM provider and then tap “Continue.”
How to use the dual SIM function on a Google Pixel phone
The dual SIM feature is a nifty addition that allows you to connect another SIM card to your phone. However, when using an eSIM, you can up this number to five or even 10 additional eSIMs (depending on the device you use). The dual SIM (or eSIM) function allows you to easily switch between mobile service operators, making it more convenient and flexible to shift between preferred cellular plans (for example, when traveling).
Google Pixel lets you use one physical SIM card and one eSIM. You can choose which SIM to use for which service (for example, one SIM for messaging and another for calling). This feature is also known as Dual SIM dual standby. If you’re not a fan of physical SIMs and have a Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro, or later phone, you can use two eSIM profiles at once (that is, if your carrier allows it).
The setup of a dual SIM connection on your Google Pixel phone can differ, depending on what type of SIM you want to add and use. For example, to add an eSIM to a Google Pixel that uses a SIM card, you should follow these steps:
Open your phone’s settings.
Tap “Network & internet.” and then “SIMs.”
Tap on the “Add SIM” or “+” icon.
Tap “Download a SIM instead?”
When asked "Use 2 SIMs?" tap “Yes.”
After your phone updates, open your settings app again.
Go to “Network & internet” and then “Mobile network.”
Tap your networks to set call and text preferences.
If you have one eSIM profile and want to add another, you should follow these instructions:
Open your phone's settings.
Tap “Network & Internet” and then “SIMs.”
Tap on the “Add SIM” or “+” icon.
Tap “Download a SIM instead?”
Follow the instructions to add an eSIM via a QR code or by entering an activation code.
Go to “Network & internet” and then “Mobile network.”
Tap your networks to set call and text preferences.
Finally, if you want to add a physical SIM to an already existing eSIM connection, follow these steps:
Insert the SIM card into your Google Pixel.
When asked "Use 2 SIMs?" tap “Yes.” After your phone updates, open your settings app again.
Tap “Network & internet” and then “Mobile network.”
Tap your networks to set call and text preferences.
Depending on your carrier, you can set preferences for each of your SIMs (or eSIMs), including your mobile data, calls, and texts.
Data: Only one SIM can be the default for your cellular data. If your data SIM is already set up, you'll receive a notification.
Calls: You can find and adjust the preferred settings in “Call preference.” To set up your preferred operator, pick your default carriers, or tap “Ask me every time.”
Texts: Available in “SMS preference.” To set up your preference, pick your default carriers, or tap “Ask me every time.”
While managing your eSIM, you might edit your preferences, add new SIM cards, or even remove your current ones.
“But what happens if I delete an eSIM?” you may wonder. In such a case, you lose the cellular data (data plans, phone numbers, and carrier-specific configurations) tied to the deleted eSIM and need to reactivate it to use the service again.
Why should you use an eSIM for your Google Pixel phone?
There’re lots of reasons why new phones increasingly come equipped with eSIM features. We’ve singled out the four best arguments on why installing an eSIM on your Google Pixel is a great idea.
Simple purchase
Whether at home or while traveling, having no physical SIM means you don’t need to go to a store in search of little SIM card packages. With an eSIM, you can get the QR or activation code from your provider in just a few clicks (or taps), saving time, energy, and (at least slightly) the environment.
Convenient activation
Technically, both SIMs and eSIMs are easy to set up and activate. The difference is that eSIMs don't require you to open your phone and mess around with a tiny SIM card or otherwise engage with the SIM card slots. A few scrolls on your screen, a QR scan here, a tap there, and you’re good to go with your fully set eSIM!
Zero physical operation
The thing with physical SIM cards is that they can be easily damaged or even pose some cybersecurity risks because they can be stolen. While, theoretically, both of these issues are unlikely to happen, why risk it? With an eSIM, you’ll have the same cellular service and avoid unnecessary risks.
Lower global roaming charges
Finally, an eSIM is a great way to save money on cellular data while traveling. Since roaming prices tend to skyrocket when you’re away from home, using an eSIM lets you access local carrier data with significantly lower rates. For example, Saily users can enjoy swift and cheap connections in more than 150 countries worldwide, with different data packages tailored to users’ needs.
So if you still haven’t set up an eSIM on your Google Pixel, what are you waiting for? Jump in on a chance to enjoy your holiday without overspending on mobile data — download Saily now!
Lukas is the mental prisoner of the song "Orinoco Flow," which plays in his head every time he hears the word "Saily." However, that doesn't stop him from wanting to share his knowledge about connecting to the internet via eSIM — even if his current phone doesn't support it.